Still no dates for preliminary hearing in Smiths Falls murder case
February 9, 2026
A court appearance intended to set preliminary hearing dates for three people accused of the first-degree murder of Robbie Thomson of Smiths Falls instead revealed ongoing delays due to court scheduling and unresolved disclosure issues, resulting in the matter being adjourned again.
All three accused --- Joshua Belfiori, Erin Mackie, and Christopher Fenton --- were present via video for the hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth this morning, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, despite being incarcerated in different institutions. All three of their lawyers were also online. However, although all parties had expected the preliminary hearing dates to be finalized, the court, presided over by Justice of the Peace Sylvie Lapointe, was informed that no dates could be formally entered on the record because the trial coordinator had not yet confirmed judicial availability.
The lawyers --- Jeffrey Langevin representing Belfiori, Jenny McKnight representing Mackie, and Joseph Addelman representing Fenton --- all appeared visibly frustrated at what they seemed to consider a lack of effort on the part of the court.
Langevin told the court that he and the other two lawyers had all received an email from the trial coordinator offering possible dates in September 2026, and that counsel for all parties had responded, indicating their availability and that they expected those dates to be finalized.
However, the clerk stated that those dates had not yet been “actioned” and could not be confirmed until an official confirmation email was sent.
Robert Corbella, on behalf of the Crown, suggested they all return to court on Monday for confirmation of the dates.
A frustrated Addelman rejected this suggestion, pointing out that all parties had worked diligently to coordinate their presence at the hearing today, believing the matter would be resolved.
Crown counsel suggested the coordinator was likely still attempting to determine which dates in September could accommodate the court’s resources.
No trial dates were secured during the appearance.
In the absence of confirmed preliminary hearing dates and some unresolved disclosure issues, the court proceeded to schedule the next appearance. Eventually all parties agreed to return on Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m. The appearance will be held via video.
The Justice of the Peace directed that by the next appearance, defence counsel should have reviewed the disclosure received and be prepared to address any remaining concerns. The next appearance, she said, will also be used to formally set preliminary hearing or trial dates, once court scheduling issues are resolved.
The matter was adjourned accordingly.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, members of the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit, the Smiths Falls Police Service, the OPP Emergency Response Team, and the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit arrested the three accused persons. Kingston Police assisted with one of them.
The three persons charged with first-degree murder are:
- Christopher Fenton, 48, of Montague Township
- Erin Mackie, 40, of Montague Township
- Joshua Belfiori, 34, of Kingston
On Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, OPP officers executing a search warrant at a residence on Kelly Jordan Road located the remains of Robbie Thomson, a Smiths Falls resident who was 34 years old when he was reported missing in October 2023.
On Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, the OPP announced it will maintain a presence at a residential property in Montague Township near Smiths Falls as part of the ongoing homicide investigation. However, search efforts at the site will be temporarily paused until spring.
With the ground frozen, continuing the detailed and thorough search of the 40-acre property has become challenging. Investigators remain committed to the investigation and will continue to actively pursue any new leads or information received during this period.
The Lanark County OPP, in collaboration with the Smiths Falls Police Service, continues to investigate under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Forensic Identification Services.
Residents of Kelly Jordan Road will continue to see a police presence at the property throughout the winter. Various measures are in place to monitor the site.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to call the dedicated tipline at 1-855-677-4636. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.